How to build a bed for a caravan?

[Peppers]

 

Hi brains forum. I am renovating my Jayco Sprite caravan . It had two single beds. I have taken them out so I can have one big bed. I have had no luck acquiring a bed to replace the beds due to limited space. I am now wondering if I should try and build one. I have come here to ask, what kind of wood or material would be ideal to build a frame for the space I have. I thought about having a light metal base on two 8 cube shelves which look good but maybe too heavy. So here I am asking the brain trust

[EricL]

Hello @Peppers 

I suggest thinking about using 16mm plywood with 42x19 pine bracing to build a lightweight frame. 

let me call on our experienced members @twocutekelpies and @LizzieCro for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let me know. 

Eric

[LizzieCro · Accepted solution]

Hi @Peppers ,

I renovated a Jayco Sprite in 2022. Some of the images are on this site,

 https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Outdoor/Pop-top-caravan-renovation/m-p/239306#M33035

If you'd like to contact me privately I'll give you my Instagram address so you can see the full reno.  I made a simple frame, which slipped into the aisle between the beds, so I could have either singles or double. I just rotated the mattresses and added a topper. When not in use I could just leave the frame at home. I would say, though, that the larger bed was very difficult to make up with sheets, quilts, etc.

In answer to your question about timber, the very important thing to remember is that you cannot add too much weight to a touring van. For this reason you need to use very lightweight timber, and mostly vans have Meranti for framing out cabinetry and beds. It's available at Bunnings, and is lightweight but very strong. In vintage vans, the wall frames were also often made of Meranti for that reason.. Be ever mindful of keeping your Tare weight the same/very close to what it states on the compliance plate on the front of the van. Should you make the van heavier, in the event of an accident your insurance company can easily, and quite rightly, deny paying your claim.

I would highly recommend taking a look at Shelley's reno's of many vans, over at @twocutekelpies . She's built quite a few beds in her days and has great tutorial images which could help you a lot.

All the best with it.

Cheers, Liz.

[twocutekelpies]

Thanks @LizzieCro 😊

I absolutely agree with keeping the weight down as much as possible.  My Bunnings doesn't stock meranti (smaller store), although I did special order some in to add extra support and noggins to the walls before I lined them. I used various sizes of 5.4m fj pine and 12mm ply, 3 door hinges and 2 gas struts, hopefully the below photos will give you an idea. 

 Basic frame built in place and attached to the wall frame  Slated top made from 1 sheet of 12mm ply cut into slats and attached to a pine frame  Gas struts added to both sides  Head board added to use up extra space and provide storage  Gas struts on both sides  Storage accessible with either lifting bed up or using sliding doors underneath, basket drawers slide out on runners for quick access.  Finished bed

[Peppers]

OMG, another game changer move. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ll study this and get the items I require. YOU are all amazing.